Domestic and intimate partner violence is preventable, yet according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opens a new window, over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 6 men (16.9%) in the U.S. will experience some form of violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This pervasive social issue knows no bounds in terms of demographics, though historically-marginalized communities experience greater instances of abuse and injustice, especially Indigenous women. According to a 2016 study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), opens a new window, more than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women (84.3%) have experienced violence.
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” the movement grew along with the need for increased awareness, and on October 6, 1989, Congress passed Public Law 101-112, opens a new window, designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month's resources focus on survivors, individuals and families who are at risk, and the advocates working to end the violence.
Recommended Reads
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, these agencies provide assistance and support:
24/7 Support
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
24-Hour Hotline:
425-25-ABUSE (425-252-2873)
Access support groups, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and domestic violence education.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, opens a new window
Providence Everett Sexual Assault Center
1509 California St, Everett, WA 98201 (Inside the Dawson Place Advocacy Center)
24-hour crisis line:
425-252-4800
Our team of advocates, forensic nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists, and social workers offer an array of services to those impacted by sexual, physical, and/or relationship violence.
Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse
Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADA) - Island County
24-Hour Crisis Line:
360-675-7168
We provide 24/7 advocacy and support services to all residents (regardless of age, gender, sexuality) of Island County, WA 365 days a year.
Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 (also en Español)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Text "START" to 88788
Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
National Domestic Violence Hotline, opens a new window (chat live)
StrongHearts Native Helpline
24-Hour line:
844-7NATIVE (844-762-8483)
Text "START" to 1-844-762-8483
Safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering support and advocacy.
StrongHearts Native Helpline, opens a new window
Local Resources
- Domestic Violence - Snohomish County
- Domestic Violence Resources - Island County
For additional support and resources, see our post on Domestic Violence Help.
Learn More
These resources raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence in our society, and share the powerful stories of survivors.
- Domestic Violence Awareness, opens a new window
- Understanding Domestic Violence, opens a new window
- Streaming videos about domestic violence, opens a new window
- GALE eBook Library on domestic violence, opens a new window
- Domestic Violence Statistics in the United States | CPGN, opens a new window
- CDC's Violence Against Native Peoples Fact Sheet, opens a new window
- Peer reviewed articles on domestic violence against men. Requires library card.
